The 1986 Pontiac Parisienne represents the last stretch of traditional full-size Pontiac motoring, carrying familiar rear-wheel-drive American sedan and wagon proportions into the mid-1980s. Buyers looking after one today are usually balancing comfort, period character, and dependable road manners rather than chasing an aggressive performance fitment. Tire choice centers on two 15-inch radial sizes: 205/75R15 for sedans and 225/75R15 for wagons. Within those sizes, there is meaningful variety in whitewall width, goldline, and redline treatments, along with several classic-style radial series. The right choice depends on matching the exact body style, wheel setup, and the appearance you want the car to carry.
Which Tire Size Is Right for The 1986 Pontiac Parisienne
The 1986 Pontiac Parisienne uses two primary tire sizes, and the correct one depends on whether the car is a sedan or a wagon. Both sizes are radial tires built for 15-inch rims, so the key first step is confirming the exact sub-model. Once that is settled, the decision shifts to sidewall style, brand, tire series, and matching the tire to the wheel width and overall look you want.
Fit(s): Brougham Sedan, Brougham Sedan (1/2 inch studs), Sedan, and Sedan (1/2 inch studs)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
A 205/75R15 tire uses a 205-millimeter nominal section width, a 75-series aspect ratio, radial construction, and a 15-inch rim diameter. On the 1986 Pontiac Parisienne, this is the sedan size, giving the car a modern radial fitment in a format that remains easy to understand and compare. Available choices include BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar, with sidewall treatments ranging from narrow and wide whitewalls to goldline and redline. It is the right size to evaluate when keeping a sedan properly proportioned while still choosing the visual style that best suits the car.
Fit(s): Brougham Wagon, Brougham Wagon (1/2 inch studs), Wagon, and Wagon (1/2 inch studs)
Construction: Radial|Rim: 15 in
A 225/75R15 tire follows the same metric radial format but with a wider 225-millimeter section width and a 75-series profile on a 15-inch rim. On the 1986 Pontiac Parisienne, this size is used on wagon models, where the fitment reflects the wagon's different tire requirement rather than a cosmetic alternative. Product choices include BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Maxxis, and Travelstar, with both narrow and wide whitewall options across several series. This is the size to focus on when selecting tires for a wagon and confirming that the wheel width matches the tire's intended fitment range.
Sub-model fitment matters on the 1986 Pontiac Parisienne because sedan and wagon versions do not use the same tire size. The wheel diameter stays at 15 inches across the range, but selecting the right tire starts with confirming whether the car is a sedan or a wagon, including the 1/2 inch stud variants.
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1986 Pontiac Parisienne Brougham Sedan
The 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Brougham Sedan uses the 205/75R15 radial tire size. That keeps tire selection focused on choosing among classic-style radial options, sidewall treatments, and wheel-width compatibility rather than sorting through multiple primary fitments.
1986 Pontiac Parisienne Brougham Sedan (1/2 inch studs)
The 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Brougham Sedan (1/2 inch studs) also uses 205/75R15 radial tires. Tire choice is mainly about appearance and product specifications, while still confirming the actual wheel setup if the car has been changed from its original configuration.
The 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Brougham Wagon uses the larger 225/75R15 radial size. That makes wagon tire selection distinct from the sedan, with attention shifting to whitewall style, tire series, and making sure the wheel width suits the wider casing.
1986 Pontiac Parisienne Brougham Wagon (1/2 inch studs)
The 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Brougham Wagon (1/2 inch studs) uses 225/75R15 radial tires as well. Buyers should treat it like the other wagon fitment and compare products within that size instead of assuming the sedan tire size carries over.
The 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Sedan uses the 205/75R15 radial size. That gives sedan owners a broad mix of classic-looking radial choices, including different whitewall widths and specialty sidewall treatments for a more tailored appearance.
The 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Sedan (1/2 inch studs) stays with the 205/75R15 radial fitment. Tire selection therefore centers on the right styling and wheel compatibility rather than switching between different rim diameters or constructions.
The 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Wagon uses 225/75R15 radial tires. Wagon owners should stay focused on products built in that size and verify wheel width before choosing between narrow-whitewall and wide-whitewall presentations.
The 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Wagon (1/2 inch studs) also uses the 225/75R15 radial size. That means the key decision is selecting the right product character within the proper wagon fitment, not mixing sedan and wagon tire sizes.
The tire sizes listed on this page assume factory-standard vehicle configuration. The following modifications may affect tire fitment and are not reflected in this guide:
Suspension changes (lowering, lift kits, spring replacements)
Body alterations (fender modifications, custom bodywork)
If your vehicle has been modified from factory specifications, verify tire clearance before purchase.
Best 1986 Pontiac Parisienne Tires for Sale
Available 1986 Pontiac Parisienne tires cover both 205/75R15 sedan and 225/75R15 wagon fitments across BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar lines. Buyers can compare classic radial series with narrow whitewall, wide whitewall, goldline, and redline presentations, along with differing rim-width specifications.
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Radial Tires
BFGoodrich Silvertown Radial | 2.375 Inch Whitewall | 205/75R15
Owners of a 1986 Pontiac Parisienne usually need to sort out sedan versus wagon tire size first, then compare radial choices by sidewall style, series, and wheel fitment. These FAQs cover sizing, rim questions, product selection, appearance, and road-use checks.
Tire Size & Fitment
What tire size fits a 1986 Pontiac Parisienne?
A 1986 Pontiac Parisienne uses one of two radial tire sizes: 205/75R15 or 225/75R15. Sedan and Brougham Sedan models use 205/75R15, while Wagon and Brougham Wagon models use 225/75R15, including the 1/2 inch stud versions of each.
That means the first job is identifying the body style before choosing a tire. Both sizes fit 15-inch rims, but they are not the same fitment. Once the correct size is confirmed, selection becomes a matter of sidewall appearance, tire series, brand preference, and making sure the wheel width suits the tire you are considering.
What size rim does a 1986 Pontiac Parisienne use?
The 1986 Pontiac Parisienne uses a 15-inch rim diameter with both primary tire sizes. The sedan fitment is 205/75R15 and the wagon fitment is 225/75R15, so the wheel diameter stays the same even though the tire size changes between body styles.
Rim diameter is only one part of the fitment picture. Wheel width still matters, especially when comparing products across the sedan and wagon sizes, and collector cars are not always wearing their original wheels. Measuring the wheel and checking the tire's approved rim-width range helps prevent buying the right diameter in a combination that does not suit the wheel.
Do all 1986 Pontiac Parisienne sub-models use the same tire size?
No. The 1986 Pontiac Parisienne uses two different tire sizes across its sub-models. Sedan and Brougham Sedan versions use 205/75R15, while Wagon and Brougham Wagon versions use 225/75R15, including the corresponding 1/2 inch stud variants.
That split is important because a wagon tire should not be chosen just because it shares the same 15-inch rim diameter as the sedan. Owners should confirm the exact sub-model and then compare tires only within that size group. This keeps the car's proportions, clearance, and wheel compatibility aligned with the fitment intended for that particular version.
Choosing the Right Tire
What should I consider when choosing a 205/75R15 or 225/75R15 tire for a 1986 Pontiac Parisienne?
Start with the correct primary size for the car's body style: 205/75R15 for sedans and 225/75R15 for wagons. After that, compare radial construction, brand, tire series, sidewall treatment, load figures where stated, and the wheel-width range that matches the tire you are considering.
A Parisienne often looks very different depending on whether it wears a narrow whitewall, a broad whitewall, or a specialty sidewall treatment. Practical use matters too, especially if the car sees regular road miles or carries passengers and cargo. Matching the tire's specifications to the wheel and the way the car is driven usually matters more than choosing by appearance alone.
What sidewall styles are available for 1986 Pontiac Parisienne tires?
Sidewall choices for the 1986 Pontiac Parisienne include narrow whitewall and wide whitewall in both 205/75R15 and 225/75R15. The 205/75R15 sedan size also adds goldline and redline options, giving sedan owners more room to tailor the car's look without changing the underlying tire size.
The sidewall treatment has a big effect on the car's presentation, especially on a full-size Pontiac where the tire is visually prominent. A broad whitewall leans more formal, while a narrow whitewall looks later and more restrained. Goldline and redline can add a custom or sport-influenced accent, but the right choice depends on the look the specific car is meant to carry.
What brands offer tires for the 1986 Pontiac Parisienne?
Tires for the 1986 Pontiac Parisienne are available from BFGoodrich, American Classic, Coker Classic, Tornel, Maxxis, and Travelstar, depending on size. The 205/75R15 sedan fitment has the broadest range, while 225/75R15 wagon choices still cover several established classic and replacement-oriented radial lines.
Brand alone should not decide the purchase. It makes more sense to compare each tire's series, sidewall style, wheel-width specification, and overall character for the car. A sedan owner may prioritize appearance variety, while a wagon owner may focus more on the right size, whitewall style, and wheel match within the available 225/75R15 options.
Restoration & Appearance
Which tire should I choose for a period-style 1986 Pontiac Parisienne?
A period-style 1986 Pontiac Parisienne starts with the correct body-style size: 205/75R15 for sedans and 225/75R15 for wagons. From there, a classic radial with a whitewall treatment is often the most natural visual direction, since the available products in both sizes include narrow and wide whitewall options.
The best visual match depends on how the car is being presented. A more formal Brougham-style look may favor a broader whitewall, while a restrained late-1980s appearance may point toward a narrower whitewall. When exact originality matters, it is worth checking period photography, factory literature, or marque-specific references before choosing a particular stripe width or sidewall style.
How does tire construction affect the appearance of a restored 1986 Pontiac Parisienne?
On a 1986 Pontiac Parisienne, construction choice is straightforward because the primary fitments are radial. The visual difference comes less from bias-ply versus radial and more from the sidewall treatment, tire series, and proportions created by choosing the correct sedan or wagon size on the proper 15-inch wheel.
That makes appearance selection more about details than about changing construction type. A wide whitewall can give the car a more formal, traditional presentation, while a narrow whitewall feels closer to a later full-size domestic look. Using the correct size for the body style is still essential, since the wrong proportions can change the stance and overall impression of the restoration.
Fitment, Maintenance & Road Use
Can modifications affect tire fitment on a 1986 Pontiac Parisienne?
Yes. Even though the 1986 Pontiac Parisienne uses straightforward 15-inch radial fitments, modifications can change what works on the car. Aftermarket wheels, altered wheel width, changed offset, suspension work, lowering, or body repairs can all affect how a 205/75R15 or 225/75R15 tire sits and clears.
A modified car should be measured rather than assumed to follow stock fitment. The important checks are wheel diameter, wheel width, tire clearance at the fenders and suspension, and steering room through full lock. That is especially important when moving between sedan and wagon setups, because the larger wagon tire should not be treated as an automatic substitute.
What should I inspect before driving a 1986 Pontiac Parisienne on new tires?
Before putting a 1986 Pontiac Parisienne back on the road with new tires, inspect the wheels for damage, confirm the tire size matches the sub-model, and make sure each tire is mounted on the correct 15-inch wheel width. It also helps to verify valve stems, balance, lug hardware, and basic inflation condition.
The rest of the check should focus on the car itself. Look for suspension wear, steering looseness, uneven ride height, and any sign that the tires could contact the body or chassis under load or during turns. A short local drive followed by a visual recheck can reveal rubbing, settling, or air-loss issues before the car is taken on a longer trip.
How should 205/75R15 and 225/75R15 tires on a collector 1986 Pontiac Parisienne be maintained?
Collector-car tires on a 1986 Pontiac Parisienne should be kept clean, properly inflated, and inspected regularly for cracking, bulges, cuts, tread wear, and air loss. Since these cars often spend long periods parked, tire condition matters just as much as tread depth, especially when the car is not driven often.
Storage conditions also make a difference. Parking away from prolonged sunlight, excess heat, moisture, and ozone-producing equipment helps preserve the sidewalls and overall casing. Moving the car occasionally and checking pressures before each drive are smart habits, because a low-use sedan or wagon can develop age-related tire issues long before the tread looks worn out.